Larry Pressler on Homeland Security

Former Republican Senator (SD)

First Vietnam vet elected to Congress

Pressler was a Vietnam vet and became the first veteran of that war elected to Congress (in 1974, yes, that's 40 years ago). He was a moderate/maverick
Republican and distinguished himself during the Abscam scandal as the only member of Congress who flatly rejected the fake bribes that were being offered by undercover FBI agents.

Source: MinnPost on 2014 South Dakota Senate race
, Jan 2, 2014

Significant cutbacks on overseas military spending

Pressler pointed to the success of military contractors in lobbying for projects the Pentagon doesn't want. "We have this poisonous, locked political system in place," Pressler said. "And we can't get a budget."

While Pressler said he was still forming a legislative team to finalize his policy platform, he discussed his priorities at the campaign event.
Among those provisions, he supports significant cutbacks on overseas military spending, rolling back domestic surveillance programs, increasing the minimum wage and raising taxes on the wealthy.

Pressler also said that he would have to rely far more
heavily on grassroots support. However, he said, if elected he would provide a more powerful voice for South Dakota than any candidate from the major two parties.

1980 presidential run:focus on veteran issues & Agent Orange

Pressler waged a long-shot campaign in 1980, seeking the Republican presidential nomination. His goal then was to draw attention to the plight of Vietnam veterans, including getting help for those exposed to Agent Orange.
He struggled to raise money and discovered that many of his fellow activist veterans were actually Democrats. "I'm glad I did it," he said, "but it was bad political judgment probably."

Source: Politico.com on 2014 South Dakota Senate race
, Nov 14, 2013

Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty.

Vote to consider establishing a policy requiring the deployment of a national missile defense system by the end of 2003. The bill would also urge discussions with Russia to amend the ABM Treaty to allow deployment of the system.